The Seattle Mariners have been on a tear lately, storming to the top of the AL West standings. But according to insiders, the real fireworks are just getting started—and they’re coming from a familiar source.
Cal Raleigh, the star catcher who has been sidelined since early April with an oblique strain, is reportedly sending a loud and clear signal that he’s not just returning—he’s coming back with a vengeance. During a rehab assignment with Triple-A Tacoma on Tuesday, Raleigh launched what observers are calling a “moonshot” home run in the first inning, a towering blast that had scouts and fans alike buzzing.
The video, shared by the Rainiers’ official account, shows Raleigh connecting with pure authority. Sources close to the team say the swing looked “effortless” and “explosive”—exactly what the Mariners need after struggling to generate consistent offense from the catcher position in his absence.
While Raleigh’s 2025 season was a monster campaign that set sky-high expectations, this year started roughly. Before landing on the IL, he was hitting just .161 with seven homers in 41 games—a batting average that, if extended over a full season, would be among the worst in baseball. But those same insiders caution that Raleigh’s value has never been about average. It’s about power, and more than that, about presence behind the plate.
Mitch Garver, who has been filling in as the primary catcher, has managed only a .190 average with two home runs. The drop-off has been noticeable, and fans have been restless. Now, with Raleigh reportedly set to rejoin the team as soon as the current road trip ends, the emotional boost alone could be seismic.
The Mariners currently sit two games ahead of the Texas Rangers and 3.5 games clear of the Athletics in a tightly packed AL West. Every win counts, and every at-bat matters. Raleigh’s return, according to one team insider, “changes the whole dynamic of the lineup.”
What really has people talking, though, is the timing. Raleigh had started to ramp up his activity just before the IL stint, and this rehab homer is the exclamation point the organization was hoping for. While he’s never been a high-average hitter, if he can find a way to be more consistent at the plate—and stay healthy—his seven homers in 41 games suggest he’s already on pace for a 25-plus home run season.
According to league insiders, other AL West teams are reportedly watching this development closely. One scout told us off the record, “If Raleigh comes back hot, Seattle could be a nightmare to face in October.” The Mariners top brass, meanwhile, are said to be cautiously optimistic. They just want to see their star catcher back on the field, comfortable, and doing what he does best.
If Tuesday’s moonshot is any indication, that comfort level is already there. And the rest of the division better be ready.
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